Validation of sport superstition questionnaire

Abstract

Background: It is for several decades that superstition has been analyzed among sport analysts. Superstition helps the athlete to come along with the stress related to competitive conditions. Sport superstition is introduced as illogical beliefs or a way of thinking that influences the results of events. Considering this point and comparing the results of a scientific research will result in finding the most accurate information. We may indicate the importance of using valid instruments to measure data. Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the validity of the spectator sports superstition questionnaire. Methods: The present study was applied in terms of purpose and in terms of method of work is correlational (factor analysis with principal component analysis). The statistical population of the study was the fans of the Iranian Football, Basketball and Volleyball Premier League teams in the 2019-20season. According to the sample size based on questionnaire items (26 cells), 390 people were selected. In order to collect data, a standard questionnaire was used which was translated into Persian and analyzed for validity in the target population. For the validity of the questionnaire, the construct validity, convergent and divergent of Fornell and Larker were used and its reliability was obtained through Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.775. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (confirmatory factor analysis) were used to analyze the data using SPSS and Amos software. Results: Based on the results of factor analysis, the components of industrial superstition, superstitious beliefs, superstitious behaviors and the source of control were approved as four dimensions of sports superstition. Analysis of the data showed that the factor load of all questions is higher than the base value and the research model has a significant fit, which indicates the desirability of the sports superstition questionnaire. Conclusion:The Sports Superstitions Questionnaire is a reliable and valid scale that can be used to assess the level of superstitions in sports and increase the insight and understanding of fans and individuals towards it.